The government-run newspaper Iran quoted a reformist lawmaker Reza Yousefian as saying that Reza Khatami, younger brother of President Mohammad Khatami, has ceased to head the Islamic Iran Participation Front (IIPF), which holds the majority in the reformist-majority parliament (Majlis).

Yousefian did not give the reasons of resignation, saying the IIPF was to hold a session on Monday to appoint a new head, but it was adjourned indefinitely.

He said that Mohsen Mirdamadi, head of a parliamentary commission, and Mohammad Reza Naimipour are candidates for the post. It seems that Naimipour will be elected as the head, he added.

Reza Khatami was the top vote-getter in last year's parliamentary polls.

As the June presidential elections looms, IIPF has heightened pressure recently on the incumbent president for a second mandate by picking him as the sole candidate for the polls."